Walking Group Morning Tea in Gembrook after the walk for anyone who wants to come along (outside because of the dogs - weather permitting).
The 14.5km trail from Emerald to Gembrook is now called the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail. The original 6.2km Emerald to Cockatoo section of the trail passes through Emerald Lake Park and Wright Forest and was previously known as the Emerald to Cockatoo Trail. Another 6.5km section from McBride Street, Cockatoo to Gembrook Station has been added to the trail. This section follows Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Fielder Road and the Puffing Billy train line between the towns to create a unique and scenic path suitable for cycling, running and walking. The weather changes the walk dramatically, with everything from rain to thick fog to scorching heat possible. The higher sections are exposed and can be quite windy, and there is little shade along the trail at this end.
This walk starts at the Gembrook Puffing Billy Station and you can choose how far you walk from there. Begin by walking to the far end of the car park, through the gate to the start of the trail. It starts by following Station Rd and the train tracks, with some lovely old houses on the left and stunning views of fields and the hills to the right. At the end of the road, cross over Belgrave-Gembrook Rd and the trail continues with a patchwork of fields on the left then crosses over the tracks near the back of the Gembrook Sports Ground. Cross Orchard Rd and keep walking until you are ready to turn around and walk back.
The tracks are mostly gently sloping, nice and wide, gravel or paved, there are more steep hilly sections as you head towards Cockatoo. The trail does cross some roads and is next to the Puffing Bill track for much of it, so younger kids need to be supervised and dogs kept on a lead at all times.
Starting Point: At the Puffing Billy Gembrook Station car park on the Cockatoo side (on the left) of the station if standing on Main St.
Distance: Approx. 5km for a 1-1.25 hour walk
Toilets: At the Puffing Billy station (if it's open) or in the park next to the station
Gembrook Park, Gembrook Road (entrance to carpark off Redwood Rd)
Dogs: Allowed (On Leash Only)
For your GPS: 73 Main St, Gembrook (the car park that is directly opposite this address)
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